Today’s post is a guest post in honor of the 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes Event.

Hi, I am Meg from Beard and Bonnet! Thank you Cara for hosting me at Cara’s Cravings for the 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes event. I am so honored and humbled to be a part of this fabulous group of bloggers whom send inspiration to my own personal inbox every week!

What you should know about me…the short version.

I am happily married to my best friend and business partner, Todd, and we have 2 amazing children, Eliza and Kash! We have always eaten a healthy diet that is primarily vegetarian. I buy local whenever possible, and we try to avoid junk food and fast food. Our now almost 2 year old son was born with a nasty little cough that was deemed chronic at 4 months old. His cough was accompanied by a constant runny nose, acid reflux, severe ear infections lasting more than 30 days at a time, and extremely slow weight gain when we introduced solid foods. Our pediatricians ordered every test imaginable during his first year of life to try and figure out what the problem was. Possible diagnosis’ ranged from silent acid reflux to structural problems with his organs to..wait for it, it’s a wild one…Kawasaki’s disease. Every test brought more questions than answers and more prescriptions for medications that “might” help.

At our wit’s end and a little more than 2 weeks away from ear tubes and an invasive test to look into his bronchial tubes that required sedation, we met with a Chiropractor in our area that suggested removing dairy and gluten from our diet for a few weeks to see if there were any changes. Man, were there changes, and she is our hero! Our sweet little man was a completely different child at the end of the 2 week period, so much so that we canceled the surgery and the tests and continued on our gluten-free journey. His current ear infections that hadn’t budged with 4 rounds of antibiotics were clearing, his cough was so minimized that he started to sleep almost completely through the night, he looked healthier, and was full of an insane amount of energy!

Our journey has really just begun and almost a year into it I can safely say that we are happier and healthier than we have ever been as a family. Over the past year we have discovered that Todd has a gluten intolerance as well, that gluten-free food can be absolutely delicious, and that we can make it through anything together! If you would like to learn more about our road to recovery click here.

My favorite gluten-free recipe from 2012!

Samoa Cupcakes by Fork and Beans: Gluten-Free and Vegan

Just that picture makes me drool! I have to give mad props to Cara at Fork and Beans for these seriously delectable Samoa Cupcakes, aren’t they beautiful? They are gluten-free and vegan which makes me super happy but don’t tell anyone because seriously, they will never, EVER know! I promise..you will make a batch, eat the whole batch by yourself, and then have to make another batch to share with your family and friends. They are that good, forget the Girl Scout cookies, these cupcakes look better, taste better, and are better for you. It’s a trifecta of goodness!

Beard and Bonnet’s 2012 Gluten-Free All-Star Recipes!

Authentic Golden Falafel: Gluten-Free and Vegan

I have been on a mission for years to replicate my husband’s favorite dish, authentic falafel, at home and apparently so have my readers! It takes a little planning since you have to soak the raw garbanzo beans for 24 hours, but they are SO worth it! Nope that isn’t breading, it’s all garbanzo beans and spices. The texture is spot on, no mushiness here, only crispy, spicy goodness that will satisfy even the most skeptical of falafel connoisseurs. You can find the recipe here.

Sweet Potato Casserole Hash: Gluten-Free and Vegan Option

I only posted this recipe a few weeks ago and it has rapidly zoomed up to the top of my most viewed list! I love any form of hash..they are so comforting and easy. This one has a whopping 7 ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry, and is ready in as little as 15 minutes. Best of all it is the perfect blend of sweet and salty in the same dish. You can find the recipe here.

I have a savory hash that has been super popular over the past few weeks too and was only behind this one in views by a very small amount! If you prefer savory flavors click here.

Cranberry and Coconut Raw Bars: Gluten-Free and Vegan

We can’t get enough of these cranberry and coconut raw bars and neither could my readers. Imagine the yummiest Lärabar you have ever had now multiply that by 50! Seriously, there is something to be said for homemade meals and snacks. They taste so much better and are healthier for you too. These bars come together in about 10 minutes with only a knife and a food processor. You can find the recipe here.

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